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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areasCapsaicin, an extract of cayenne pepper, appears to work by blocking pain signals and may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin.(more)

Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areasA component of cayenne pepper known as capsaicin can be applied as a cream or ointment to soothe the pain of postherpetic neuralgia.(more)

Cluster Headache

Dose: Consult a qualified healthcare practitionerCapsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, applied inside the nostrils may ease the pain of cluster headaches and reduce recurrences.
(more)

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful jointsWhen rubbed over painful joints, cayenne extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin may reduce the pain and tenderness of osteoarthritis.(more)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areasA cream containing capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, may help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints.(more)

Low Back Pain

Dose: Refer to label instructionsTopical cayenne pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain and to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions.(more)

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over pain areas with unbroken skinto relieve itching and help heal sores. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which relieves pain and itching and may help heal sores..(more)

Dose: Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times per day to areas of nerve painTopically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) has been shown to relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.(more)

Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy

Dose: Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times a day to areas of nerve painTopically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) may help relieve nerve pain.(more)

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas

Capsaicin is an extract of cayenne pepper that may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin. In animal studies, capsaicin was consistently effective at reducing pain when given by mouth, by injection, or when applied topically.1, 2 A controlled trial in humans found that application of a solution of capsaicin (0.075%) decreased sensitivity of skin to all noxious stimuli.3 One review article deemed the research on capsaicin's pain-relieving properties "inconclusive."4 However, in several uncontrolled and at least five controlled clinical trials, capsaicin has been consistently shown to decrease the pain of many disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and cluster headaches.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 For treatment of chronic pain, capsaicin ointment or cream (standardized to 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin) is typically applied to the painful area four times per day.10 It is common to experience stinging and burning at the site of application, especially for the first week of treatment; avoid getting it in the eyes, mouth, or open sores.

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas

The hot component of cayenne pepper, known as capsaicin, is used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. In a double-blind trial, a cream containing 0.075% capsaicin, applied three to four times per day to the painful area, greatly reduced pain.1 In another study, a preparation containing a lower concentration of capsaicin (0.025%) was also effective.2 Two or more weeks of treatment may be required to get the full benefit of the cream.

Substance P is a nerve chemical involved in pain transmission that may cause some of the symptoms of cluster headache.1, 2 Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, can reduce the levels of substance P in nerves.3 Preliminary clinical trials investigating the use of intranasal capsaicin for the prevention and treatment of cluster headaches report significant decreases in the number of cluster episodes in some of the participants.4 The decreases usually lasted no more than 40 days after the end of treatment,5 although a few patients have experienced relief for up to two years.6 In a double-blind study, patients who received capsaicin intranasally twice daily for seven days during a cluster episode had a significant reduction in pain for the following 15 days.7 As capsaicin can cause burning and irritation, this treatment should be utilized only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

Topical cayenne pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain, and more recently, to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions,1 including chronic pain,2 although low back pain has not been specifically investigated. Cayenne creams typically contain 0.025-0.075% capsaicin.3 While cayenne cream causes a burning sensation the first few times used, this decreases with each application. Pain relief is also enhanced with use as substance P, the compound that induces pain, is depleted.4 To avoid contamination of the mouth, nose, or eyes, hands should be thoroughly washed after use or gloves should be worn. Do not apply cayenne cream to broken skin.

There is preliminary evidence that capsaicin, the active constituent of cayenne, can be applied inside the nose as a treatment for acute migraine.1 However, as intranasal application of capsaicin produces a burning sensation, it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor familiar with its use.

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful jointsSeveral double-blind trials have shown that topical use of cayenne extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin reduces pain and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis.1, 2, 3, 4 These creams are typically applied four times daily for two to four weeks, after which twice daily application may be sufficient.5 Products containing capsicum oleoresin rather than purified capsaicin may not be as effective.6

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas

A cream containing small amounts of capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, can help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints, according to the results of a double-blind trial.1 Capsaicin achieves this effect by depleting nerves of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter called substance P. Although application of capsaicin cream initially causes a burning feeling, the burning lessens with each application and disappears for most people in a few days. Creams containing 0.025-0.075% of capsaicin are available and may be applied to the affected joints three to five times a day. A doctor should supervise this treatment.

Topical cayenne pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain, and more recently, to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions,1 including chronic pain,2 although low back pain has not been specifically investigated. Cayenne creams typically contain 0.025-0.075% capsaicin.3 While cayenne cream causes a burning sensation the first few times used, this decreases with each application. Pain relief is also enhanced with use as substance P, the compound that induces pain, is depleted.4 To avoid contamination of the mouth, nose, or eyes, hands should be thoroughly washed after use or gloves should be worn. Do not apply cayenne cream to broken skin.

While there have been few studies on herbal therapy for bursitis, most practitioners would consider using anti-inflammatory herbs that have proven useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These would include boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment.

Dose: Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over pain areas with unbroken skin

Cayenne contains a resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by depleting certain neurotransmitters from sensory nerves. In a double-blind trial, application of a capsaicin cream to the skin relieved both the itching and the skin lesions in people with psoriasis.1 Creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin are generally used. There may be a burning sensation the first several times the cream is applied, but this usually become less pronounced with each use. The hands must be carefully and thoroughly washed after use, or gloves should be worn, to prevent the cream from accidentally reaching the eyes, nose, or mouth and causing a burning sensation. The cream should not be applied to areas of broken skin.

Dose: An ointment containing 0.006% capsaicin, thinly applied three daily for 4 weeksIn a double-blind trial, topical application of capsaicin (a component of cayenne) relieved chronic anal itching in 70% of patients. The preparation used was an ointment containing 0.006% capsaicin, which was made by diluting a commercially available capsaicin product with white soft paraffin. The preparation was applied in a very thin layer to the area around the anus three times per day for four weeks. All patients experienced some burning around the anus after each application; this decreased significantly after four weeks of application, but did not disappear completely. Some patients needed to continue applying capsaicin occasionally after the first four weeks to prevent the itching from recurring.1

Dose: Add 6 to 10 grams to each mealResearch has suggested that incorporating cayenne pepper into the diet may help people lose weight. Controlled studies report that adding 6 to 10 grams of cayenne to a meal or 28 grams to an entire day's diet reduces hunger after meals and reduces calories consumed during subsequent meals.1, 2 Other controlled studies have reported that calorie burning by the body increases slightly when 10 grams of cayenne is added to a meal or 28 grams is added to an entire day's diet 3, 4, 5 However, no studies have been done to see if regularly adding cayenne to the diet has any effect on weight loss.

Dose: Refer to label instructionsCapsaicin ointment, applied four times per day over painful joints in the upper or lower limbs, reduces pain caused by osteoarthritis,1 and a plaster containing capsaicin applied to the low back for several hours per day provided relief from chronic low back pain in one study.2 Other uses of cayenne or capsaicin for sports and fitness have not been studied.

Dose: Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times per day to areas of nerve painDouble-blind trials have shown that topical application of creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin (from cayenne [Capsicum frutescens]) can relieve symptoms of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy).1, 2 Four or more applications per day may be required to relieve severe pain. This should be done only under a doctor's supervision.

Dose: Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times a day to areas of nerve painDouble-blind trials have shown that topical application of creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin (from cayenne [Capsicum frutescens]) can relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the extremities caused by diabetes).1, 2 Four or more applications per day may be required to relieve severe pain. This should be done only under a doctor's supervision.

Parts Used & Where Grown

Originally from South America, the cayenne plant is now used worldwide as a food and spice. Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapenos, paprika, and other similar peppers. The fruit is used medicinally.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.